Strata committee training: who needs it, NSW rules and how other states differ

20 October 2026

From 1 October 2026, strata committee members in New South Wales (NSW) must complete training to keep their place on the committee. The change is one of a series of reforms to the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and its Regulation, delivered in stages since December 2023. This guide explains who needs the training, when it is due, who is exempt and what happens if it is missed, then looks at how other states and territories approach the same question.

What changed on 1 October 2026

According to NSW Fair Trading, two reforms started on 1 October 2026:

strata committee members must complete free online training each year within three months of being appointed
two-lot strata schemes, such as most duplexes, no longer need to complete annual reporting on NSW Strata Hub

The training is designed to help committee members understand their legal duties and the committee's governance role, deal with issues such as repairs, maintenance and disputes, and manage risks to keep their scheme financially healthy (Strata committee training).

The course

Committee members appointed between 1 October 2026 and 30 September 2027 must complete Introduction to Strata Committee Rights and Responsibilities. The course is:

free
self-paced, taking about one hour
available online through NSW Strata Hub, which requires registration

When a member finishes, NSW Fair Trading issues a Certificate of Completion. Once a member has completed this introductory course, they will not need to complete the same course again in future years. NSW Fair Trading has said it will publish details of additional training in 2027.

Who needs to complete it

The requirement applies to committee members whether they are:

new to a committee
returning to a committee
appointed to fill a vacancy for more than three months

A person who sits on several committees only needs to complete the training once.

Who is exempt

The training requirement does not apply to committee members:

in two-lot strata schemes
who are members of the Australian College of Strata Lawyers
who are NSW strata managing agents
filling a casual vacancy for less than three months

Exempt members should give evidence of their exemption to the committee secretary. The requirement applies to strata committees only, not to association committees in community land schemes.

When it is due

Training must be completed within three months of appointment. NSW Fair Trading gives these examples:

a member appointed on 1 October 2026 must complete training by 1 January 2027
a member appointed on 1 June 2027 must complete training by 1 September 2027
a member appointed before 1 October 2026 does not need to complete training until they are next appointed, although they can do it earlier

Because committees are elected at each annual general meeting (AGM), the three-month window will often start at the AGM.

What happens if training is missed

If a committee member does not complete the training within three months, they automatically stop being a committee member. This is not a committee decision and cannot be appealed (Strata committee training).

NSW Fair Trading will not take action against individual members who miss the deadline. Schemes are responsible for monitoring compliance. When a committee becomes aware a member has not completed training, it should:

stop that person taking part in future committee decisions
check whether a replacement is needed, as a committee must have at least one member, or at least three in schemes of more than 100 lots
appoint a replacement if needed and update the strata roll

If the person was the secretary or chairperson, a new office-bearer should be appointed and Strata Hub records updated within 28 days. Decisions made with a member who had not completed training will generally remain valid if the committee acted in good faith and did not know.

If no committee can be appointed, all decisions need approval by the owners corporation at a general meeting, unless decisions have been validly delegated to a strata managing agent.

The secretary's role

NSW Fair Trading recommends that committee secretaries:

add information about the training to AGM notices
collect Certificates of Completion and keep copies for at least one year
send a reminder at least one month before training is due
send a failure to complete training notice if a certificate is not provided by the due date
keep copies of training notices for at least one year
tell remaining committee members as soon as practicable if someone stops being a member

These tasks are recommended good practice, not legal requirements. NSW Fair Trading provides template notices and a template AGM motion on its training page.

Schemes with a strata manager

Some owners corporations ask their strata manager to handle these tasks. NSW Fair Trading notes that managers may charge fees for this work, and that owners corporations should agree which tasks are needed, ask about fees first and follow the proper approval process, such as a motion at the AGM.

How other states and territories compare

The official guidance reviewed for this article did not describe a mandatory committee training course like the NSW one in any other state or territory. Several jurisdictions do set expectations about knowledge or training in other ways:

Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria suggests committee members ensure new members are given copies of the legislation and attend training or other information sessions, as a way to protect themselves (Consumer Affairs Victoria).
Queensland: the code of conduct for committee voting members requires a commitment to acquiring an understanding of the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 and the code (Queensland legislation). Body corporate managers do not need a licence and have no formal training requirements (Queensland Government).
Western Australia: training rules focus on strata managers, who must meet educational qualification requirements based on the Certificate IV in Strata Community Management (Landgate).
Australian Capital Territory: the executive committee code of conduct requires a commitment to acquiring an understanding of the Unit Titles (Management) Act 2011. Licensed owners corporation managing agents must complete continuing professional development to renew their licence (Access Canberra).
South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory: the official guidance reviewed did not describe a committee training requirement. Committees should check current guidance from their state or territory regulator.

Frequently asked questions

Is NSW strata committee training free?

Yes. The course is free, self-paced, takes about one hour and is completed online through NSW Strata Hub.

Do returning committee members need to do the training?

Yes, unless they are exempt. Members appointed before 1 October 2026 do not need to complete it until they are next appointed.

What happens if a committee member misses the deadline?

They automatically stop being a committee member. The committee should stop them taking part in decisions and appoint a replacement if needed.

Do two-lot schemes need committee training?

No. Committee members in two-lot strata schemes are exempt, although they can complete the course voluntarily.

Keeping track of who has done what

Training deadlines are one more date for a volunteer committee to track, alongside AGMs, Strata Hub reporting and capital works plans. StrataSync is a mobile-first app for strata schemes across Australia that keeps records, documents, meetings and repairs in one place that owners can see, and works alongside NSW Strata Hub. To find out more, visit stratasync.au.

General information, not legal advice. Check the official sources below or get professional advice for your scheme.

Sources

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